[lin_video src=http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/player.js?aspect_ratio=16×9&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&div_id=videoplayer-1367533760&height=480&page_count=5&pf_id=9624&show_title=1&va_id=4041745&width=640&windows=2 service=syndicaster width=640 height=480 div_id=videoplayer-1367533760 type=script]BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A major donation of free food on Thursday will go a long way to help the United Way’s Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.

Smithfield Meat Company donated 40,000 pounds of hot dogs to the food bank.

Workers gathered to unload the generous donation, which will be distributed to needy families throughout Central Alabama.

The food bank operates as a central clearinghouse for collecting food, currently serving a 12-county region.

The food is distributed to non-profit agencies as well as religious organizations that directly serve the needy.

These programs include homeless shelters, soup kitchens, residential facilities for the elderly and shelters for abused women and children.